The Glass Problems conference celebrated the achievements of four industry professionals this week.

Christopher Bloom, of Owens Corning, was awarded the Glass Manufacturing Excellence Award for his contribution on the shop floor for the company.

Stanley Rutkowski, Vice President of conference organiser the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council, said Chris' work had helped ensure significant gains in both melter asset life management and safety.

As corporate leader of Owens Corning's centre of excellence, he has helped improved the design, reliability, maintenance and practices of electrodes for safer operations, said Mr Rutkowski.

Kayla Natividad, of Pilkington Architectural Glass North America, was awarded the Women in Glass award. The category recognises women who have demonstrated excellence in leading and motivating others.

Michael Gallagher, presenting the award, said: "She has a fantastic ability to make the complex more simple, focused on why an outcome occurred rather than potential implications."

Megan DeLamielleure, of Corning Inc, won the Glass Innovator award, which recognised individuals who take risks to pursue innovative solutions for the glass industry.

Scott Cooper, presenting the award, said Megan exemplified the spirit of the award with her forward-thinking and outstanding contributions to the industry in her 25 year career.

"Her leadership has driven the development of challenging glass compositions and processes that have pushed the boundaries of quality and manufacturing productivity.

"She also has spearheaded low carbon melting initiatives which have contributed to the industry’ sustainability efforts."

Hisashi (Sho) Kobayashi of Linde (pictured) was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in inspiring the industry with the development of energy-saving materials.

In presenting the award Oscar Verheijen, of GlassTrend, said it was a privilege to have known Sho since the early part of Oscar's career, when oxy-fuel combustion technology was first used in the industry.

Oscar said Sho had an eye for the in-depth processes used in the technology.

"Although Sho always indicates he is not a glass person his creative approach and commitment to fully understand the implications of oxy fuel technology make him a highly respected person in the glass industry," he said.

The conference takes place all this week in Toledo, Ohio, USA.